Colombian President Gustavo Petro asked Spain on Tuesday to extradite Diego Marín, known as ‘Pitufo’ or ‘Papa Pitufo,’ a figure labeled the ‘smuggling czar’ by authorities. The request aims to bring Marín to justice and compel him to disclose details about his 38-year influence within Colombia’s political landscape. Petro asserted that a major smuggling boss operates from Madrid and emphasized that Colombia’s justice system seeks accountability for Marín. He noted that for nearly four decades Marín has been active in illicit trade and, until now, had not faced prosecution in Colombia.
Marín, who holds dual Colombian and Spanish nationality, was arrested on April 5 in Gandía, Valencia. He appeared before a National Court judge, who released him with several conditions: his passport was withdrawn, and he must report to the court every 15 days while extradition proceedings progress.
The decision to release Marín drew criticism from Petro, who said that although a formal extradition treaty exists and had been followed, Spanish authorities released the leading narcotics trafficker and money launderer in Colombia. Petro urged that the extradition be expedited, arguing that Marín is also a Spanish citizen who could be enjoying holidays in Spain and his fortune there.
Petro further argued that extensive investigations by the National Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other intelligence agencies were warranted due to Marín’s alleged 38-year network. He claimed the individual had embedded himself across state institutions, port authorities, the DIAN, customs agencies, the Polícia Fiscal y Aduanera (Polfa), and other bodies, creating a web of influence that intersected political campaigns. Petro claimed Marín’s money was accepted in exchange for control over smuggling routes and crucial positions, and that the man attempted to influence Petro’s own campaign before being stopped.
Colombian authorities accuse Marín of smuggling, bribery, and participation in a criminal organization. He is said to have built connections inside campaigns and the state apparatus over many years, prompting calls for thorough investigations and international cooperation to pursue the case.